When All Walks of Life and the city of Savannah Department of Cultural Affairs present “A Christmas Carol,” they’ll stick to the story by Charles Dickens — with one notable twist.

“Scrooge is played by a woman!” says DaVena Jordan, cofounder and executive director of AWOL. “And she’s doing a wonderful job.”

The show will open Nov. 30 and run for two weekends. Directed by Jonathan Johnson, it will feature performers ranging in age from 9 to 26.

First published in 1843, “A Christmas Carol” was based on Dickens’ personal childhood experiences and various Christmas stories. The book has never been out of print, and its story has been adapted into operas, ballets, radio plays, audio recordings, films and stage productions.

The curmudgeonly and miserly Scrooge is reformed after he is visited by the ghosts of Christmases past, present and future. The AWOL production is filled with special affects and spirited song and dance.

“We are excited to be collaborating with the Department of Cultural Affairs for our first annual Christmas show,” Jordan says. “This is giving area youth a unique opportunity to work with more seasoned adult actors from the community.”

Johnson, who is originally from Alabama, is a recent MFA graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design. He became involved with AWOL through its youth theatre and performing arts program, Act Up!, and also has directed several theatrical productions, including Ntozke Shange’s “For Colored Girls” and, at SCAD, “Before It Hits Home” by Cheryl L. West.

The AWOL production is unique, Johnson says.

“We did a lot of non-traditional casting and a non-traditional approach to the script,” he says.

“We wanted to represent Savannah as it is now and the America we live in today,” Johnson says. “The biggest thing is Scrooge is played by a female.”

Tamara Jackson, also a recent SCAD MFA grad, is taking on the role with relish. “We are excited to have her as part of the cast,” Johnson says.

The traditional text is being used.

“They are Charles Dickens’ words,” Johnson says. “They are so powerful, it’s still so pertinent to our situation in America.

“I think with any classic, you want to make sure you keep the beauty of the story, the integrity of the story,” he says. “You don’t want to get so caught up in you own vision that you lose the context of the story.”

The production has all elements of theater, including dance. “It is something I love to embrace,” Johnson says. “I’m excited to bring it on.

“We are probably teaching kids who have never heard about ‘A Christmas Carol’ or Dickens before,” he says. “We’re making them interested in it and making it fun, new and exciting.”

The music is traditional with tunes such as “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” included. “They are classics with a little spin,” Johnson says.

“I would tell people if you want a show you can bring the whole family to see, this is the one,” he says. “It will leave you feeling the beauty and essence of Christmas.”

IF YOU GO

What: All Walks of Life and the Department of Cultural Affairs present “A Christmas Carol”